AGGREGATES
The aggregates, from a geological point of view, are debris, loose or cemented, a result of the decay and disintegration of rock masses, and are characterized by their clastic texture, the shape and arrangement of the particles within the aggregate.
Aggregates may be natural, artificial or recycled from materials previously used in construction and include: sand, gravel, expanded clay, vermiculite and perlite.
In the construction industry, aggregates are used as components of composite materials, such as concrete and asphalt.
They are classified according to the size of their particles: